Terminal Block Resilient Force Clamping Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resilient force clamping connections in terminal blocks are limited by large and protruding release elements, which hinder miniaturization due to the need for external access to integrated clamping springs within insulated housings.
Innovation Solution
A resilient force clamping connection design featuring a U-shaped clamping spring with an actuating limb that protrudes laterally, allowing for a compact construction and reducing the size of the release element, enabling it to be smaller and more planar, with the actuating limb facilitating access and force distribution for opening the clamping site without interfering with the clamping spring's function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping spring is integrated in the insulated housing for safety reasons, then safety is improved, but the release element must be large and protrude far out of the housing which worsens the installation size
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating limb extends the actuation point from the deep interior of the housing to a location accessible from the side of the housing. This dimensional relocation allows the release element to be smaller and not protrude far out, while still providing access to the clamping spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating limb serves as an intermediary element between the release element and the clamping spring. It transmits the actuation force from the release element to the clamping spring, enabling the release element to be smaller while still effectively controlling the clamping mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the release element is made large to access the integrated clamping spring, then ease of operation is improved, but the terminal block cannot be miniaturized which worsens the installation size
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating limb relocates the effective actuation point to a dimensionally accessible position on the side of the housing, allowing a smaller release element to reach the clamping spring mechanism without requiring the terminal block to be larger.
3Ease of operation
If the release element protrudes far out of the insulated housing, then accessibility for operation is improved, but the overall compactness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of protruding far out from the end of the housing, the actuating limb extends the access point to the side of the housing. This dimensional change maintains accessibility for operation while preserving the compact end-view profile of the terminal block.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for a more compact terminal block construction with a secure and efficient clamping mechanism, reducing the size of the release element and enhancing the overall robustness and security of the terminal block while maintaining effective conductor connection.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient force clamping connection comprises a busbar and at least one clamping spring... The clamping spring comprises a support limb, a resilient bend that adjoins the support limb, and a clamping limb that adjoins the resilient bend
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a resilient force clamping connection (2) for a terminal block (1), in particular a connection terminal or connecting terminal, so as to electrically connect at least one conductor, said resilient force clamping element comprising a busbar (3), and a clamping spring (4) having a support limb (40), a resilient bend (41) that adjoins the support limb (40), and a clamping limb (42) that adjoins the resilient bend (41), wherein the clamping limb (42) comprises at a free end (420) that is remote from the resilient bend (41) a clamping section (421) so as to form a conductor clamping site (K) between the clamping section (421) and the busbar (3) so as to electrically connect a conductor (L) to the resilient force clamping connection (2). At least one actuating limb (43) extends from the clamping limb (42) between the resilient bend (41) and the free end (420) in a direction away from the support limb (40), wherein the actuating limb (43) comprises an actuating section (430) in order to cooperate with a release element (5) so as to open the conductor clamping site (K). The present invention is further directed to a terminal block (1) so as to electrically connect at least one conductor, said terminal block comprising an insulated housing (6) and at least one resilient force clamping connection (2) according to the present invention and being received at least in part by the insulated housing (6).